AB1622 ARTRO 360: NEW MANAGEMENT MODEL TO PROGRESS IN THE TREATMENT OF OSTEOARTHRITIS BY OPTIMIZING THE AVAILABLE RESOURCES
Authors: N. Martínez Fernández, J. Verges
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2023)

<h3>Background</h3> Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic joint disease and poses a growing public health problem. In Spain, 7 million people suffer from OA [1], and only hip and knee OA represent an average annual cost of 4,738 million euros for the Spanish Health System. In 2016, more than one hundred thousand hip and knee prostheses were placed in Spain [2]. OA generates direct costs and considerable indirect costs for the National Health System, like the associated reduced productivity and labor costs. Therefore, a new OA management model is needed to reduce these expenses by optimizing the available resources. <h3>Objectives</h3> Design and validate a new management model that improves healthcare quality, security, and communication of OA patients. <h3>Methods</h3> The Osteoarthritis Foundation International (OAFI), with the collaboration of the Spanish Association of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (AECOSAR), made an initial proposal with a multidisciplinary expert committee. The different proposals have been reviewed and ratified by scientific and professional organizations of physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and patients. <h3>Results</h3> The model is based on the needs expressed by OA patients and states how the different specialists should intervene and prescribe the most appropriate therapeutic option. The model has three levels of action: preclinical, clinical, and disabling clinical. Several Spanish scientific societies like SEAUS, SECA, SECOT, SETRADE, SER, SEMERGEN, SEMG, semFYC, SEFAC, SEIOM, and SEMDOR have supported the model. The model was presented in the Spanish Senate on September 28<sup>th</sup>, 2021, and it is being disseminated to the health departments at a regional level. Below are some of the proposals for the model: Promote the participation of patients and professionals in public health policies, research, and management models. Involve the patient in the decisions that affect them, making them responsible for their health and self-care. Accelerate the diagnosis. Facilitate access to optimal pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment, taking into account the comorbidities and needs of the patient. Raise awareness of the relevant role of patient organizations as an active resource that complements the portfolio of services, strengthens professionals, and produces significant economic savings. <h3>Conclusion</h3> OA is the most common chronic joint disease and poses a growing public health problem. OAFI, with the support of several scientific societies, has developed a new management model to progress in treating OA by optimizing the available resources. With this program, it will be possible to reduce the cost of OA by approximately 100 million euros while improving the quality of health care for our patients. To implement it, it is essential to take coordinated action by health authorities, scientific health authorities, scientific and professional societies, patient organizations, and other relevant organizations. <h3>References</h3> [1] Hunter DJ, March L, Chew M. Osteoarthritis in 2020 and beyond: a Lancet Commission. The Lancet. 2020. [2] Registro de Atención Especializada – RAE-CMBD. Ministerio de Sanidad, Consumo y Bienestar Social. <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> NIL. <h3>Disclosure of Interests</h3> None Declared.